It reflects the economic performance of the Saudi Arabian non-oil producing private sector companies through the monitoring of a number of variables, including output, orders, prices, stocks and employment.

While the April survey data marked the lowest reading in five months, the rate of improvement remained sharp.

Output levels continued to increase at a solid pace in April, with 31 percent of respondents indicating a rise in production.

Respondents linked the expansion to improving market conditions and increased incoming new business.

Driven by improved marketing efforts, order book volumes rose during the latest survey period.

The rate of growth moderated slightly from March, but remained sharp. New business from abroad also rose at a slightly weaker rate than in the previous survey period.

Purchasing activity increased further during April, as 35 percent of companies recorded a rise in the quantity purchased. According to anecdotal evidence, the rise was encouraged by increased incoming new business volumes.